In his novel Joseph Andrews, Henry Fielding uses irony to express satire and offer social commentary. Irony "occurs when there is a disjunction between what the audience expects and what actually happens." The dominant form of irony in Joseph Andrews is dramatic irony: Fielding tricks the reader into believing that one thing will happen, when in reality something else does. Dramatic irony allows Fielding to "teach" "lessons" to his readers by providing examples of the characters' ill-fated plans while maintaining a light mood. Fielding uses verbal irony to show the hypocrisy of his vain characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The entire novel is structured around the ironic statement that Fielding makes at the beginning: "But as often happens that the best men are but little known" (61). In this sense, Fielding introduces Parson Adams as the main character of the novel. The character of Parson Adams is full of irony. A priest's duty is to provide guidance to his parishioners. Although “he was a perfect master of the Greek and Latin languages,” he was also “wholly ignorant of the ways of this world” (65). Parson Adams' naivety makes him an endearing and kind character. Readers learn about Fielding's position on morality through the "adventures" of Parson Adams rather than through his speeches. Specific incidences of dramatic irony show readers the stupidity of specific characters. Henry Fielding offers social commentary by giving foolish people who indulge their vanity unexpected results. Leonora, the object of the love of the aspiring lawyer Orazio, unexpectedly abandons him for Bellarmino and his "coach and six" (135). It is soon revealed, however, that Bellarmino does not love Leonora, but is only entranced by her money. When his father refuses to give Bellarmine money, he "went straight to his seat" (152) with an ironic message: "I hope we will see each other in Paris, while the wind that flows thither is the hottest in the world " (153). Bellarmino has no desire to see Leonora, because his money cannot help him. This is ironic, because Leonora gives up true love for a man who only wants to use her. Ultimately, her vanity fails her. Fielding shows that morality does not depend on wealth when he describes a poor peddler who saves Parson Adams when a rich clergyman, Tulliver, refuses to save his fellow parson. Fielding also uses irony to comic effect: the accusation that Parson Adams attempted to kidnap Fanny, Joseph Andrew's beloved, when in fact he saved her is initially alarming. However, the reader must recognize the absurdity of Adams' misfortune, as well as the stupidity of his accuser. Even in this situation, Fielding offers social satire when Adams' trial is blocked by the very people hoping to benefit from his arrest. They argue over the amount of money awarded to each person, one arguing that he "should have the largest share, as he had laid his hands on Adams first," another for "holding the Lantern to the man's face first" (164). The selfishness of Parson Adams' accusers causes his trial to be postponed as they argue over who deserves the Parson's money. Verbal irony is used to reveal the hypocrisy of many other characters. Lady Booby and Mrs. Slipslop humiliate Joseph Andrews after he rejects them both. In Lady Booby's heart, however, "she had not yet quite conquered her passion" (83). Lady Booby's pride prevents her from admitting her affection. The Brave Man, whom Parson Adams meets on the street, flees after" (334).